Systems and methods are provided for counting sharps returned to a container. An example method of counting sharps returned to a container having at least two layers of penetrable conductive material includes periodically checking a plurality of circuits formed by the first and second layers of material to determine if each circuit is open or closed, and keeping a count of the number of closed circuits.

Systems and methods for forming a handle apparatus may include shaping a strip of composite material with a flexible central portion, two grips, and two end portions. The strip may be bent onto itself such that the end portions are fastened together by a fastening device. The handle apparatus may also include a hole disposed in the flexible central portion through which a tool actuator may be passed.

Systems and methods for forming a handle apparatus may include shaping a strip of composite material with a flexible central portion, two grips, and two end portions. The strip may be bent onto itself such that the end portions are fastened together by a fastening device. The handle apparatus may also include a hole disposed in the flexible central portion through which a tool actuator may be passed.

A scalpel handle includes a body defining a first end and a channel therein and an insert defining a blade holder disposed at a first end thereof and positionable within the channel of the body with the blade holder extending outwardly away from the first end of the body. A shield is coupled with the body such that the blade holder is positionable within the shield, and a removal wedge is defined on the body, fixed with respect to the shield, and disposed in a substantially fixed lateral position at least partially aligned with a portion of the blade holder.

Systems and methods for measuring the fill level of sharps in sharps containers are described. The system includes sensors for detecting a fill level in a sharps container and communications systems for reporting a sharps container fill status to local personnel through portable computing devices and central monitoring systems. The systems and methods are designed to improve deployment and collection of the sharps containers and their contents.

A scalpel holder, having a grip piece with a longitudinal direction and a blade holder which is connected to the grip piece and which functions to receive a scalpel blade and hold the same fixed, wherein the grip piece has a slider guide which runs substantially in the longitudinal direction of the grip piece for the purpose of receiving a slider, wherein the same can be movably guided in said slider guide toward the blade holder, and the slider guide is arranged on the grip piece in such a manner that the end piece, the same designed with a wedge shape, of the slider which is guided in the slider guide in the direction of the blade holder slides past the scalpel blade while lifting the same out of the blade holder.

A scalpel holder, having a grip piece with a longitudinal direction and a blade holder which is connected to the grip piece and which functions to receive a scalpel blade and hold the same fixed, wherein the grip piece has a slider guide which runs substantially in the longitudinal direction of the grip piece for the purpose of receiving a slider, wherein the same can be movably guided in said slider guide toward the blade holder, and the slider guide is arranged on the grip piece in such a manner that the end piece, the same designed with a wedge shape, of the slider which is guided in the slider guide in the direction of the blade holder slides past the scalpel blade while lifting the same out of the blade holder.

An apparatus for detaching a blade from a scalpel handle is provided. The blade has a cutting portion and a heel portion and is removably mounted on a tang of the scalpel handle. The apparatus has a flexible blade detachment member with a stepped portion for engaging the heel of the blade as the handle is withdrawn and a leading angled portion. A backing member is provided with the detachment member being arranged adjacent the backing member so that during use the detachment member flexes in only one direction, away from the mounting tang in response to force applied by the handle to the leading angled portion thereby causing the blade and the handle to be separated and detached relative to each other. Upon withdrawing the tang from the opening, the stepped portion engages the heel of the blade resulting in detachment of the blade from the tang.

An apparatus for detaching a blade from a scalpel handle is provided. The blade has a cutting portion and a heel portion and is removably mounted on a tang of the scalpel handle. The apparatus has a flexible blade detachment member with a stepped portion for engaging the heel of the blade as the handle is withdrawn and a leading angled portion. A backing member is provided with the detachment member being arranged adjacent the backing member so that during use the detachment member flexes in only one direction, away from the mounting tang in response to force applied by the handle to the leading angled portion thereby causing the blade and the handle to be separated and detached relative to each other. Upon withdrawing the tang from the opening, the stepped portion engages the heel of the blade resulting in detachment of the blade from the tang.

Safety-blade dispensers for safely storing surgical blades prior to surgery and optionally for retrieving used surgical blades after surgery. In either case, the safety-blade dispenser is configured to store one or more surgical blades in an orientation that allows a user to simply and safely attach a surgical tool handle to the surgical blades (and optionally remove the handle from the surgical blades) without requiring the user to physically touch or manipulate the surgical blades by hand. The safety-blade dispensers disclosed herein may be used alone or in conjunction with a system and method of preventing wrong-site surgery.